ESPN: LeBron James could entertain offer to join Warriors

By Sinclair Broadcast Group

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February 01, 2018 08:32 PM EST

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — How does one make a "Super Team" more super?

Add the King.

The seemingly fantastical notion that LeBron James would consider joining forces with Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and the rest of uber-talented Golden State Warriors (40-11) has become more than just something one might see in "NBA 2K" thanks to a story from ESPN's Chris Haynes. Haynes published a story Thursday saying that he was told by a league source that James would listen if the reigning NBA Championswere to make him an offer, as long as they could make a max salary slot available.

The consideration would come from James' respect for "the Warriors' winning culture," according to Haynes' source.

The four-time NBA MVP is widely expected to enter free agency following the 2017-18 season and speculation has continued over James' future. The recent struggles and drama surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers (30-20) have certainly put his future with the team in doubt.

James of course popularized the idea of forming a "Super Team" following his decision to join the Miami Hear in 2010. In order to be part of this current cast of all-stars, Haynes says the Warriors would likely have to pursue a sign-and-trade deal with the Cavaliers and have Durant agree to take a pay cut. ESPN's Kevin Pelton theorized that a package deal that includes Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala would be needed to pull off the trade.

If the Warriors called LeBron with a max contract, he would listen, reports @ChrisBHaynes.

The report caused a frenzy in the sports media world, especially given the divisive nature of Super Teams and James in general. Haynes pointed out in his story that there is no sign yet that the Warriors currently have any potential plans involving James.

This LeBron/GSW “rumor” is such an obvious plant by LeBron’s camp to (a) pressure the Cavs to trade that Nets pick/players for help, (b) unsettle GSW’s chemistry, and (c) pressure the Lakers to create cap space for him/others. I can’t believe anyone took it seriously. Come on.